Optical redirection adapter

ABSTRACT

An optical redirection adapter for an electronic device having a camera includes a housing and an optical element. The optical element is attached to the housing and positioned such that, when the adapter is attached the electronic device, the optical element is positioned in the camera&#39;s field of view. The optical element reflects light in the camera&#39;s field of view from a redirection angle that is offset from the camera&#39;s field of view. The optical redirection adapter facilitates ergonomically sound use of the camera.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/082,393 for an Optical Redirection Adapter filed Mar. 28,2016 (and published Jul. 21, 2016 as U.S. Patent Publication No.2016/0209735), now U.S. Pat. No. 9,696,612, which claims the benefit ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/771,508 for an Optical RedirectionAdapter filed Feb. 20, 2013 (and published Aug. 21, 2014 as U.S. PatentPublication No. 2014/0232930), now U.S. Pat. No. 9,304,376. Each of theforegoing patent applications, patent publications, and patents ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of electronic deviceaccessories, more specifically, to an optical redirection adapter for anelectronic device.

BACKGROUND

A number of electronic devices that include built-in cameras areavailable to consumers. Typically, these cameras are placed on the sideof the electronic device opposite the primary user-interface (e.g., atouch-screen and/or keypad). In other words, the cameras are typicallyplaced on the back side of the electronic device.

For certain functions (e.g., taking a picture or imaging a symbol fordecoding), pointing the end or edge of the electronic device at theintended target is more intuitive. When pointing the electronic devicein this manner, however, the camera is facing downward rather than atthe target. Thus, users that want to take a picture or image/read asymbol (e.g., a barcode) must hold the device and their head in a mannerthat is not ergonomically sound potentially resulting in repeatable,wrist, neck, and/or eye strains or injury.

Therefore, a need exists for an accessory for an electronic devicehaving a camera that permits ergonomically sound use of the camera.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces an opticalredirection adapter for an electronic device having a camera thatincludes a housing for attaching to the electronic device and an opticalelement attached to the housing and positioned such that, when theadapter is attached to the electronic device, the optical element ispositioned in the camera's field of view. When the adapter is attachedto the electronic device, the optical element reflects light into thecamera's field of view from a redirection angle that is offset from thecamera's field of view.

In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device has an illuminationelement and the optical element is positioned such that, when theadapter is attached to the electronic device, the optical elementreflects light from the illumination element at the redirection angle.

In another exemplary embodiment, the redirection angle is approximately90 degrees.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, when the adapter is attached to theelectronic device, the optical element reflects light into the camera'sfield of view from a location along the electronic device's width thatis different from the location of the camera's field of view along theelectronic device's width.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, when the adapter is attached to theelectronic device, the optical element reflects light into the camera'sfield of view from the center of the electronic device's width.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical element is positionedin the housing such that, when the adapter is attached to the electronicdevice, the optical element is immediately adjacent the camera'sexternal components.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing includes a deviceopening for receiving the electronic device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a friction fit between the housing and theelectronic device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a friction fit between the housing and theelectronic device and the housing includes a notch for adjusting thestrength of the friction fit between the housing and the electronicdevice.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a positive latch.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a positive latch having a quick release.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes a collimating lens attached to the optical element.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes a laser aimer attached to the housing.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes an auxiliary attachment mechanism for maintaining freeattachment of the adapter to the electronic device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes a lanyard for maintaining free attachment of the adapter to theelectronic device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes a rubber surface on the exterior of the housing.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing includes an accessopening.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical element includes aprism.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical element includes amirror.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, when the adapter is attached to theelectronic device, the optical element reflects light into the camera'sfield of view such that a reflected image is not flipped or rotated.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing includes an opticalopening.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces an optical redirectionadapter for an electronic device having a camera that includes a housingfor attaching to the electronic device and an optical element attachedto the housing and positioned such that, when the adapter is attached tothe electronic device, the optical element is positioned in the camera'sfield of view. When the adapter is attached to the electronic device,the optical element reflects light into the camera's field of view froma redirection angle that is offset from the camera's field of view andfrom the center of the electronic device's width.

In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device has an illuminationelement and the optical element is positioned such that, when theadapter is attached to the electronic device, the optical elementreflects light from the illumination element at the redirection angle.

In another exemplary embodiment, the redirection angle is approximately90 degrees.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical element is positionedin the housing such that, when the adapter is attached to the electronicdevice, the optical element is immediately adjacent the camera'sexternal components.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing includes a deviceopening for receiving the electronic device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a friction fit between the housing and theelectronic device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a friction fit between the housing and theelectronic device and the housing includes a notch for adjusting thestrength of the friction fit between the housing and the electronicdevice.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a positive latch.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a positive latch having a quick release.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes a collimating lens attached to the optical element.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes a laser aimer attached to the housing.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes an auxiliary attachment mechanism for maintaining freeattachment of the adapter to the electronic device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes a lanyard for maintaining free attachment of the adapter to theelectronic device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes a rubber surface on the exterior of the housing.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing includes an accessopening.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical element includes aprism.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical element includes amirror.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, when the adapter is attached to theelectronic device, the optical element reflects light into the camera'sfield of view such that a reflected image is not flipped or rotated.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing includes an opticalopening.

In yet another aspect, the present invention embraces an opticalredirection adapter for an electronic device having a camera thatincludes a housing for attaching to the electronic device and an opticalelement attached to the housing and positioned such that, when theadapter is attached to the electronic device, the optical element ispositioned in the camera's field of view. When the adapter is attachedto the electronic device, the optical element reflects light into thecamera's field of view from a redirection angle that is offset from thecamera's field of view and such that a reflected image is not flipped orrotated.

In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device has an illuminationelement and the optical element is positioned such that, when theadapter is attached to the electronic device, the optical elementreflects light from the illumination element at the redirection angle.

In another exemplary embodiment, the redirection angle is approximately90 degrees.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, when the adapter is attached to theelectronic device, the optical element reflects light into the camera'sfield of view from a location along the electronic device's width thatis different from the location of the camera's field of view along theelectronic device's width.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, when the adapter is attached to theelectronic device, the optical element reflects light into the camera'sfield of view from the center of the electronic device's width.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical element is positionedin the housing such that, when the adapter is attached to the electronicdevice, the optical element is immediately adjacent the camera'sexternal components.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing includes a deviceopening for receiving the electronic device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a friction fit between the housing and theelectronic device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a friction fit between the housing and theelectronic device and the housing includes a notch for adjusting thestrength of the friction fit between the housing and the electronicdevice.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a positive latch.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a positive latch having a quick release.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes a collimating lens attached to the optical element.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes a laser aimer attached to the housing.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes an auxiliary attachment mechanism for maintaining freeattachment of the adapter to the electronic device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes a lanyard for maintaining free attachment of the adapter to theelectronic device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical redirection adapterincludes a rubber surface on the exterior of the housing.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing includes an accessopening.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical element includes aprism.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the optical element includes amirror.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing includes an opticalopening.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplaryobjectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in whichthe same are accomplished, are further explained within the followingdetailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary optical redirectionadapter attached to an electronic device.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the exemplary optical redirection adapterof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the exemplary optical redirection adapterof FIG. 1 without the electronic device.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary opticalredirection adapter attached to an electronic device.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the exemplary optical redirection adapterof FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 depicts a rear view of the exemplary optical redirection adapterof FIG. 4 without the electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces an accessory for an electronic devicehaving a camera that permits ergonomically sound use of the camera. Morespecifically, the present invention embraces an optical redirectionadapter for an electronic device that allows a user to point the end oredge of the electronic device at an intended camera or imaging target.

The optical redirection adapter of the present invention typicallyincludes a housing for attaching to an electronic device and an opticalelement attached to the housing. The optical element is positioned(i.e., with respect to the electronic device and/or the housing) suchthat, when the adapter is attached to an electronic device having acamera, the optical element is positioned in the camera's field of view.The optical element reflects light into the camera's field of view froma redirection angle that is offset from the camera's field of view. Inother words, the optical element redirects the camera's effective fieldof view from its standard or typical field of view (i.e., the camera'sfield of view without an optical adapter).

The term electronic device is used herein in a broad sense and includescellular phones, smartphones, tablet devices, and portable audiodevices. Exemplary electronic devices include devices that run Apple,Inc.'s iOS operating system, such as any of the iPhone, iPad, or iPodmodels. That said, electronic devices running on an Android, Microsoft,or any other operating system are also within the scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary optical redirectionadapter 20 attached to an electronic device 40. The optical redirectionadapter 20 includes a housing 21 and an optical element 22. In thedepicted embodiment, the optical element 22 is a prism, but the opticalelement 22 may include a mirror or lens (e.g., a collimating lens).Additionally, the optical element 22 may include a combination ofprisms, mirrors, and/or lenses. The housing 21 includes an opticalopening 25 to permit light to enter and exit the optical element 22. Insome embodiments, the optical redirection adapter 20 may include acollimating lens attached to the optical element 22.

In exemplary embodiments, the optical redirection adapter 20 may includea symbol on the housing 21. The symbol may be a logo, trademark, ordecoration. The housing 21 may include a pocket or recess to receivesuch a symbol.

The housing 21 includes a number of access openings 23 a, 23 b, and 23 c(See FIG. 3). The housing 21 typically includes access openings tomaintain or enhance the functionality of features on the exterior of theelectronic device 40. For example, access opening 23 a maintains thefunctionality of a speaker and microphone on the electronic device 40,and access opening 23 b provides access to an external button on theelectronic device 40.

The exemplary optical redirection adapter 20 also includes a rubbersurface 24 on the exterior of the housing 21. As depicted, the rubbersurface 24 is located on the lower portion of the housing 21 to preventsliding of the electronic device 40 and optical redirection adapter 20when they are placed on a surface. Rather than a rubber surface 24, theoptical redirection adapter 20 may include an anti-skid or increasedfriction surface of other types of materials or textures capable ofproviding anti-skid or increased friction characteristics. Furthermore,the optical redirection adapter 20 may include such a surface in otherlocations on the housing 21 or in multiple places on the housing 21.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the exemplary optical redirection adapter20 of FIG. 1. In this front view, the camera 41 and illumination element42 of the electronic device 40 are visible through the optical element22. The camera 41 and illumination element 42 face downward from thebottom surface of the electronic device 40, but the optical element 22reflects light at a redirection angle such that camera 41 andillumination element 42 appear to face outward from the front edge ofthe electronic device 40 and optical redirection adapter 20.

In the depicted embodiment, the redirection angle is approximately 90degrees. In other words, rather than receiving light from a field ofview extending downward from the electronic device 40 (i.e., thecamera's standard or typical field of view), the camera 41 receiveslight from an effective field of view that extends horizontally orparallel to the length of the surface of the electronic device 40 uponwhich the camera 41 is located. Similarly, rather than shining downwardfrom the electronic device 40, light from the illumination element 42 isreflected by the optical element 22 to emit horizontally or parallel tothe length of the surface of the electronic device 40 upon which theillumination element 42 is located. The redirection angle is the anglebetween the central axis of the camera's standard or typical field ofview (i.e., without the adapter) and the central axis of the camera'seffective field of view (i.e., with the adapter) as measuredperpendicular to the electronic device's width.

Furthermore, the optical element 22 may reflect light at a redirectionangle of between about 45 degrees and 115 degrees (e.g., between about60 degrees and 85 degrees). The redirection angle achieved by theoptical element 22 facilitates an ergonomically sound use of the camera41 and illumination element 42. For example, rather than aiming thebottom surface of the electronic device 40 at an imaging target, a usermay point the end or edge of the electronic device 40 equipped with theoptical redirection adapter 20 in a more intuitive manner.

In exemplary embodiments, the optical element 22 reflects light into thecamera's field of view such that the reflected image is not flipped orrotated. That said, the optical element 22 may reflect light into thecamera's field of view such that the reflected image is flipped and/orrotated.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the exemplary optical redirection adapter20 of FIG. 1 without the electronic device 40. The housing 21 includes adevice opening 26 for receiving the electronic device and a notch 27. Inthis embodiment, the housing 21 attaches to the electronic device via afriction fit that is achieved by the device opening 26 and may beadjusted by the notch 27. The device opening 26 is typically shaped tocorrespond to the outer shape and contours of the electronic devicewhile providing enough friction to keep the optical redirection adapter20 attached to the electronic device. An insert, such as a foam orrubber pad, may be placed in the notch 27 to engage both the housing 21and the electronic device thereby increasing the strength of thefriction fit. In alternative embodiments, the optical redirectionadapter 20 may include a positive latch (e.g., having a quick release)for attaching the housing 21 to the electronic device.

As depicted, a portion of the optical element 22 is visible within thedevice opening 26. The visible portion of the optical element 22 ispositioned in the housing 21 such that, when the optical redirectionadapter 20 is attached to the electronic device, the optical element 22is immediately adjacent the camera's external components.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary opticalredirection adapter 20 attached to an electronic device 40. The opticalredirection adapter 20 includes a housing 21 and an optical element 22.The housing 21 includes an optical opening 25 located at a differentlocation along the electronic device's width as compared to FIG. 1. Inparticular, the optical opening 25 is located at the center of theelectronic device's width.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the exemplary optical redirection adapter20 of FIG. 4. In this front view, the camera 41 and illumination element42 of the electronic device 40 are visible through the optical element22.

The electronic device 40 of FIGS. 4-5 is the same electronic device 40of FIGS. 1-2. Furthermore, the camera 41 and illumination element 42face downward from the left portion (as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 5) of theelectronic device's bottom surface. Thus, the exemplary opticalredirection adapter 20 of FIGS. 1-3 includes an optical element 22 thatreflects light into the camera's field of view from the same locationalong the electronic device's width as the location of the camera'sfield of view along the electronic device's width.

The exemplary optical redirection adapter 20 of FIGS. 4-6, however,includes an optical element 22 that reflects light into the camera'sfield of view from a location along the electronic device's width thatis different from the location of the camera's field of view along theelectronic device's width. In particular, the optical element 22reflects light into the camera's field of view from the center of theelectronic device's width.

FIG. 6 depicts a rear view of the exemplary optical redirection adapter20 of FIG. 4 without the electronic device 40. The housing 21 includes adevice opening 26 for receiving the electronic device. As depicted, aportion of the optical element 22 is visible within the device opening26. The visible portion of the optical element 22 is positioned in thehousing 21 such that, when the optical redirection adapter 20 isattached to the electronic device, the optical element 22 is immediatelyadjacent the camera's external components.

The locations of the portions of the optical element 22 visible in FIGS.5 and 6 demonstrate that the optical element 22 reflects light withinthe housing 21 along the electronic device's width. In the exemplaryoptical redirection adapter 20 of FIGS. 4-6, the optical element 22reflects light from the left portion (as viewed in FIG. 5) of theelectronic device's width to the center of the electronic device'swidth. Other exemplary optical redirection adapters may include opticalelements that reflect light from the right portion (as viewed in FIG. 5)of the electronic device's width to the center of the electronicdevice's width.

Optical elements that reflect light along the electronic device's widthfacilitate an ergonomically sound use of the camera and illuminationelement. For example, rather than aiming the left or right portion ofthe electronic device at an imaging target, a user may point thewidth-wise center of the electronic device equipped with an opticalredirection adapter including such an optical element in a moreintuitive manner.

Exemplary embodiments of the optical redirection adapter may include alaser aimer attached to the housing. The laser aimer is typicallypositioned such that the laser beam or laser pattern emitted by thelaser aimer corresponds to the effective field of view of the electronicdevice's camera as modified by the optical element.

Exemplary embodiments of the optical redirection adapter may alsoinclude an auxiliary attachment mechanism (e.g., a lanyard) to maintaina fee attachment of the adapter to the electronic device when theadapter is not in use.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of theinvention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited tosuch exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes anyand all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Thefigures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawnto scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in ageneric and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A redirection adapter, comprising: ahousing having an opening to receive an electronic device; and anoptical element attached to the housing, wherein the optical element ispositioned in a field of view of a camera and an illumination element ofthe electronic device, and the optical element reflects light into thecamera's field of view and reflects light from the illumination elementfrom a redirection angle; and wherein the redirection angle is betweenabout 45 degrees and about 115 degrees.
 2. The redirection adapteraccording to claim 1, wherein: the optical element comprises acombination of at least one of a prism, a mirror, and a lens; and theoptical element is positioned such that, when the electronic device isin the opening, the optical element reflects light from the illuminationelement at the redirection angle.
 3. The redirection adapter accordingto claim 1, wherein the redirection angle is approximately 90 degrees.4. The redirection adapter according to claim 1, wherein, when theelectronic device is in the opening, the optical element reflects lightinto the camera's field of view from a location along the electronicdevice's width that is different from the location of the camera's fieldof view along the electronic device's width.
 5. The redirection adapteraccording to claim 1, wherein the optical element is positioned in thehousing such that, when the electronic device is in the opening, theoptical element is immediately adjacent the camera's externalcomponents.
 6. The redirection adapter according to claim 1, wherein,when the electronic device is in the opening, the optical elementreflects light into the camera's field of view from a redirection anglethat is offset from the camera's field of view.
 7. The redirectionadapter according to claim 1, wherein: the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a friction fit between the housing and theelectronic device; and the housing comprises a notch for adjusting thestrength of the friction fit between the housing and the electronicdevice.
 8. The redirection adapter according to claim 1, wherein, whenthe electronic device is in the opening, the optical element reflectslight into the camera's field of view such that a reflected image is notflipped or rotated.
 9. A redirection adapter, comprising: a housinghaving an opening to receive an electronic device; and an opticalelement attached to the housing, wherein the optical element ispositioned in a field of view of a camera and an illumination element ofthe electronic device, and the optical element reflects light into thecamera's field of view and reflects light from the illumination elementfrom a redirection angle of between about 45 degrees and about 115degrees; wherein the optical element comprises a combination of prisms,mirrors, and/or lenses.
 10. The redirection adapter according to claim9, wherein, when the electronic device is in the opening, the opticalelement reflects light into the camera's field of view from the centerof the electronic device's width.
 11. The redirection adapter accordingto claim 9, wherein: the housing attaches to the electronic device via afriction fit between the housing and the electronic device; and thehousing comprises a notch for adjusting the strength of the friction fitbetween the housing and the electronic device.
 12. The redirectionadapter according to claim 9, wherein the housing attaches to theelectronic device via a positive latch.
 13. The redirection adapteraccording to claim 9, comprising a rubber surface on the exterior of thehousing.
 14. The redirection adapter according to claim 9, wherein, whenthe electronic device is in the opening, the optical element reflectslight into the camera's field of view such that a reflected image is notflipped or rotated.
 15. A redirection adapter, comprising: a housinghaving an opening to receive an electronic device; and an opticalelement attached to the housing, wherein the optical element ispositioned in a field of view of a camera and an illumination element ofthe electronic device, and the optical element reflects light into thecamera's field of view and reflects light from the illumination elementfrom a redirection angle of between about 60 degrees and 85 degrees. 16.The redirection adapter according to claim 15, wherein: when the adapteris attached to the electronic device, the optical element reflects lightinto a field of view of a camera of the electronic device from aredirection angle that is offset from the camera's field of view; andwhen the adapter is attached to the electronic device, the opticalelement reflects light into the camera's field of view from a locationalong a width of the electronic device that is different from thelocation of the camera's field of view along the electronic device'swidth.
 17. The redirection adapter according to claim 15, wherein, whenthe adapter is attached to the electronic device, the optical elementreflects light into a field of view of a camera of the electronic devicefrom a redirection angle that is offset from the camera's field of view.18. The redirection adapter according to claim 15, wherein the opticalelement is positioned in the housing such that, when the adapter isattached to the electronic device, the optical element is immediatelyadjacent the illumination element.
 19. The redirection adapter accordingto claim 15, wherein the optical element comprises a prism.
 20. Theredirection adapter according to claim 15, wherein the optical elementcomprises a mirror.
 21. The redirection adapter according to claim 1,wherein the optical element further comprises: a first combination of atleast one of a prism, mirror, and lens that reflects light into thefield of view of the camera of the electronic device, and a secondcombination of at least one of a prism, mirror, and lens that reflectslight from the illumination element of the electronic device.
 22. Theredirection adapter according to claim 9, wherein the optical elementfurther comprises: a first combination of at least one of a prism,mirror, and lens that reflects light into the field of view of thecamera of the electronic device, and a second combination of at leastone of a prism, mirror, and lens that reflects light from theillumination element of the electronic device.
 23. The redirectionadapter according to claim 15, wherein the optical element furthercomprises: a first combination of at least one of a prism, mirror, andlens that reflects light into the field of view of the camera of theelectronic device, and a second combination of at least one of a prism,mirror, and lens that reflects light from the illumination element ofthe electronic device.